U.S. patent application number 10/675377 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-08 for media processing system supporting adaptive digital media parameters based on end-user viewing capabilities.
Invention is credited to Bennett, James D., Karaoguz, Jeyhan.
Application Number | 20040133701 10/675377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32686474 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040133701 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz, Jeyhan ; et
al. |
July 8, 2004 |
Media processing system supporting adaptive digital media
parameters based on end-user viewing capabilities
Abstract
Systems and methods that adapt media content are described. In
one embodiment, a system may include, for example, a first
communications device and a second communications device. The first
communications device may be disposed in a first location and may
be operatively coupled to a network. The second communications
device may be disposed in a second location and may be operatively
coupled to the network. The second communications device may
receive a device profile relating to the first communications
device, adapt media content based upon the device profile of the
first communications device, and send the adapted media content to
the first communications device.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz, Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) ; Bennett, James D.; (Laguna Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
|
Family ID: |
32686474 |
Appl. No.: |
10/675377 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60467990 |
May 5, 2003 |
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60443897 |
Jan 30, 2003 |
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60444099 |
Jan 30, 2003 |
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60443996 |
Jan 30, 2003 |
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60444243 |
Jan 30, 2003 |
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60464711 |
Apr 23, 2003 |
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60457179 |
Mar 25, 2003 |
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60467867 |
May 5, 2003 |
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60432472 |
Dec 11, 2002 |
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60443894 |
Jan 30, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/246 ;
348/E7.061; 348/E7.07; 348/E7.071; 348/E7.081; 348/E7.085;
375/E7.019; 709/228 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4668 20130101;
H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 21/43615 20130101; H04L 12/2803
20130101; H04N 21/6583 20130101; H04L 65/605 20130101; H04N
21/41422 20130101; H04N 21/4143 20130101; H04N 21/4821 20130101;
H04N 7/17309 20130101; H04N 21/4227 20130101; H04L 29/06027
20130101; H04L 67/06 20130101; H04N 21/26266 20130101; H04N 21/4828
20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; H04N 21/4334 20130101; H04N
21/4755 20130101; H04L 65/602 20130101; H04N 21/47214 20130101;
H04N 7/147 20130101; H04N 21/4627 20130101; H04N 21/25833 20130101;
H04N 21/4223 20130101; H04N 21/6187 20130101; H04L 12/2834
20130101; H04L 67/325 20130101; H04N 21/25435 20130101; H04N
21/4882 20130101; H04N 21/632 20130101; H04N 21/2541 20130101; H04N
21/2343 20130101; H04N 21/8146 20130101; H04N 21/4532 20130101;
H04L 67/327 20130101; H04N 21/6582 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101;
H04N 21/234363 20130101; H04N 21/4751 20130101; H04N 21/2668
20130101; H04L 67/306 20130101; H04N 21/44222 20130101; H04N
21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/4786 20130101; H04N 21/4788 20130101;
H04L 2012/2841 20130101; H04N 21/2743 20130101; H04N 21/4331
20130101; H04N 21/42684 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04L
2012/2849 20130101; H04N 21/6125 20130101; H04N 7/163 20130101;
H04N 21/254 20130101; H04N 21/25875 20130101; H04N 21/458 20130101;
H04N 21/43637 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101; H04N 21/41265
20200801; H04N 21/4826 20130101; H04N 21/6581 20130101; H04N 21/812
20130101; H04N 7/18 20130101; H04N 21/2408 20130101; H04N 21/2543
20130101; H04N 21/442 20130101; H04N 21/814 20130101; H04H 60/80
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/246 ;
709/228 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for adapting media content, comprising: a first
communications device disposed in a first location, the first
communications device being operatively coupled to a network; and a
second communications device disposed in a second location, the
second communications device being operatively coupled to the
network, the second communications device receiving a device
profile relating to the first communications device, adapting media
content based upon the device profile of the first communications
device, and sending the adapted media content to the first
communications device.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first
communications device is coupled to the network via a first
headend, and wherein the second communications device is coupled to
the network via a second headend.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first communications device and the second communications device
comprises a software platform that can provide at least one of a
user-interface functionality, a distributed storage functionality
and a networking functionality.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first communications device and the second communications device
comprises a software platform that can provide at least one of
device registration, channel setup, program setup, management and
security.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first communications device and the second communications device is
adapted to provide at least one of a distributed networking
capability, an archival functionality, a temporary storage
capability, a storage manager and a digital rights manager.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the device profile
comprises information related to digital media parameters.
7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the information related
to the digital media parameters comprises information related to at
least one of resolution content, display size, color content and
grey-scale content.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the device profile
comprises information related to media content capabilities of the
first communications device.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the
first communications device and the second communications device
comprises a television screen that facilitates viewing and
interacting with at least one of a user interface, media, data and
services available on the network.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first
communications device requests the media content from the second
communications device via the network.
11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the device profile can
be updated at the first communications device.
12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the device profile
comprises one or more digital parameters set to a quality level
lower than a maximum quality level supported by the first
communications network.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second
communications device sends the adapted media content with a file
to the first communications device, wherein the file is associated
with the media content, and wherein the file comprises information
relating to a location of a higher quality version of the media
content stored in the network.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the file comprises a
meta file associated with the media content.
15. The system according to claim 13, wherein the first
communications device can access the higher quality version of the
media content by using the file.
16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second
communications device adapts one or more digital parameters of the
media content based upon the device profile of the first
communications device.
17. A system for adapting media content, comprising: a
communications device operatively coupled to a network, the
communications device storing a revisable device profile of the
communications device, sending the revisable device profile to the
network, and receiving media content that has been adapted based
upon the sent device profile.
18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising: a media
server operatively coupled to the network, wherein the media server
adapts the media content based on the revisable device profile.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the media server
receives the media content from the network.
20. The system according to claim 18, wherein the media content is
stored in the media server.
21. A system for adapting media content, comprising: a
communications device operatively coupled to a network, the
communications device receiving a revisable device profile from the
network, adapting media content based upon the received device
profile, and sending the adapted media content to the network.
22. A method for adapting media content, comprising: receiving, by
a first communications device, a device profile relating to a
second communications device, the first communications device and
the second communications device being operatively coupled to a
network; adapting, by the first communications device, media
content based upon the device profile; and sending the adapted
media content to the first communications device.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein adapting the media
content comprises adapting one or more digital parameters
characterizing the media content.
24. The method according to claim 22, wherein sending the adapted
media content to the first communications device comprises sending
the adapted media content and a file associated with the media
content to the first communications device.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the file comprises
information related to a location of a higher quality version of
the media content.
26. The method according to claim 24, further comprising:
accessing, by the second communications device, a higher quality
version of the media content by processing the file.
27. A method for adapting media content, comprising: storing, in a
communications device, a revisable device profile of the
communications device, the communications device being operatively
coupled to a network; sending the revisable device profile to the
network; and receiving media content from the network that has been
adapted based upon the sent device profile.
28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: adapting,
by a media server, the media content based on the revisable device
profile, the media server being operatively coupled to the
network.
29. The system according to claim 28, further comprising:
receiving, by the media server, the media content from the network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This application makes reference to, claims priority to and
claims benefit from U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/467,990
(Attorney Docket No. 14970US01), entitled "Media Processing System
Supporting Adaptive Digital Media Parameters Based On End-User
Viewing Capabilities" and filed on May 5, 2003; U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 60/443,897 (Attorney Docket No. 14276US01),
entitled "Media Processing System Providing Access to Distributed
Media via a Channel Guide" and filed on Jan. 30, 2003; U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 60/444,099 (Attorney Docket No. 14277US01),
entitled "Media Channel Setup in a Media Exchange Network" and
filed on Jan. 30, 2003; U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
60/443,996 (Attorney Docket No. 14281US01), entitled "Media
Processing System Automatically Offering Access to Newly Available
Media in a Media Exchange Network" and filed on Jan. 30, 2003; U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 60/444,243 (Attorney Docket No.
14282US01), entitled "Migration of Stored Media Through a Media
Exchange Network" and filed on Jan. 30, 2003; U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 60/464,711 (Attorney Docket No. 14823US01),
entitled "Automated Routing and Consumption of Media Through a
Media Exchange Network" and filed on Apr. 23, 2003; U.S. Patent
Application Serial No. 60/457,179 (Attorney Docket No. 14825US01),
entitled "Server Architecture Supporting a Personal Media Exchange
Network" and filed on Mar. 25, 2003; U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. 60/467,867 (Attorney Docket No. 14967US01), entitled "Billing
Support in a Media Exchange Network" and filed on May 5, 2003; U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 60/432,472 (Attorney Docket No.
14185US01), entitled "Personal Inter-Home Media Exchange Network"
and filed on Dec. 11, 2002; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
60/443,894 (Attorney Docket No. 14274US01), entitled "Access and
Control of Media Peripherals Via a Media Processing System" and
filed on Jan. 30, 2003. The complete subject matter of the
above-identified applications are hereby incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
[0002] In addition, this application makes reference to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 14185US02),
entitled "Personal Inter-Home Media Exchange Network" and filed on
Sep. 8, 2003; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney
Docket No. 14274US02), entitled "Personal Access and Control of
Media Peripherals on a Media Exchange Network" and filed on Sep.
11, 2003. The complete subject matter of the above-identified
applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMECNT
[0003] [Not Applicable]
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0004] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0005] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Today, files having different display sizes and levels of
resolution for images and video may be attached to e-mail messages
using a personal computer (PC) and sent to other PC's via the
Internet. Also, files may be sent from one location to another over
a network such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network
(WAN)) using a file transfer protocol (FTP). The files may be used
in conjunction with certain media players such as PC's, DVD
players, PDA's, etc.
[0007] Depending on the size of a video file or an image file, the
content may be displayed in a different resolution, color content
or display size. Files are often sent from a source location to a
destination location without the source having any knowledge of the
device capabilities at the destination location.
[0008] For example, a source PC may send a JPEG image file to a
destination PC without knowing the display capabilities of the
destination PC. The source PC may send the highest quality JPEG
file which can be a very large file. If the destination PC has a
lower quality display capability, then the destination PC cannot
take advantage of the high quality level of the JPEG file. The
large JPEG file may take a long time to transfer from the source PC
to the destination PC without the destination PC gaining any
advantage (i.e., the destination PC cannot display the high quality
of the JPEG file). Also, a very large bandwidth may be required to
transfer the JPEG file in a reasonable amount of time.
[0009] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention
as set forth in the remainder of the present application with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Aspects of the present invention may be found in, for
example, systems and methods that adapt media content. In one
embodiment, a system may include, for example, a first
communications device and a second communications device. The first
communications device may be disposed in a first location and may
be operatively coupled to a network. The second communications
device may be disposed in a second location and may be operatively
coupled to the network. The second communications device may
receive a device profile relating to the first communications
device, adapt media content based upon the device profile of the
first communications device, and send the adapted media content to
the first communications device.
[0011] In another embodiment, a system may include, for example, a
communications device that may be operatively coupled to a network.
The communications device may store a revisable device profile of
the communications device, send the revisable device profile to the
network, and receive media content that has been adapted based upon
the sent device profile.
[0012] In another embodiment, a system may include, for example, a
communications device that may be operatively coupled to a network.
The communications device may receive a revisable device profile
from the network, adapt media content based upon the received
device profile, and send the adapted media content to the
network.
[0013] In another embodiment, a method may include, for example,
one or more of the following: receiving, by a first communications
device, a device profile relating to a second communications
device, the first communications device and the second
communications device being operatively coupled to a network;
adapting, by the first communications device, media content based
upon the device profile; and sending the adapted media content to
the first communications device.
[0014] In another embodiment, a method may include, for example,
one or more of the following: storing, in a communications device,
a revisable device profile of the communications device, the
communications device being operatively coupled to a network;
sending the revisable device profile to the network; and receiving
media content from the network that has been adapted based upon the
sent device profile.
[0015] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of
the present invention, as well as details of illustrated
embodiments thereof, will be more fully understood from the
following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media
exchange network comprising an architecture to support adaptive
digital media parameters according to the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method
that adapts digital media parameters based on end-user media
consumption capabilities on the media exchange network according to
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a media exchange network according to the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exchange
of personal media exchange over a media exchange network according
to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exchange
of third-party media over a media exchange network according to the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a television (TV) guide
channel user interface according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a TV guide channel user
interface according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a TV guide channel user
interface showing several options of a pushed media according to
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 9A is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a media processing system (MPS) interfacing to media
capture peripherals according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of an MPS according to the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a personal computer (PC) and an MPS interfacing to a
server on a media exchange network according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a PC interfacing to personal media capture devices
and remote media storage on a media exchange network according to
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media
exchange network comprising an architecture to support adaptive
digital media parameters according to present invention. In
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, digital
media parameters may include, for example, resolution content,
display size, and color/grey-scale content. The media exchange
network 100 may include a communication network comprising, for
example, a personal computer (PC) 101, a media processing system
(MPS) 102, and at least one media peripheral (MP) 103 at a 1.sup.st
home 104; a PC 105, an MPS 106, and at least one MP 107 at a
2.sup.nd home 108. The MP 103 may interface to the PC 101 and/or
the MPS 102 via, for example, a wireless link or a wired link
(e.g., a USB connection). The PC 101 and the MPS 102 may interface
to a broadband access headend 109. The broadband access headend 109
may comprise, for example, a cable headend, a satellite headend, or
a DSL headend in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention. As an option, the MP 103 may interface with the
broadband access headend 109. The PC 101, the MPS 102, and/or the
MP 103 may include, for example, internal modems (e.g., a cable
modem or DSL modem) or other interface devices to communicate with
the broadband access headend 109. Optionally, the interface device
(e.g., modem) may be external to the PC 101, the MPS 102, and the
MP 103.
[0029] Similarly, the MP 107 may interface to the PC 105 and/or the
MPS 106 via, for example, a wireless link or a wired link (e.g., a
USB connection). The PC 105 and the MPS 106 may interface to a
broadband access headend 110. The broadband access headend 110 may
comprise, for example, a cable headend, a satellite headend, or a
DSL headend in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention. As an option, the MP 107 may interface with the
broadband access headend 110. The PC 105, the MPS 106, and/or the
MP 107 may include, for example, internal modems (e.g., a cable
modem or a DSL modem) or other interface device to communicate with
the broadband access headend 110. Optionally, the interface device
(e.g., modem) may be external to the PC 105, the MPS 106, and the
MP 107.
[0030] The media exchange network 100 may further comprise, for
example, a broadband access headend 111 connected between a
3.sup.rd home 112 and an Internet infrastructure 115, a media
exchange server 113 (e.g., as in the case of a single central
server supporting the media exchange network 100) and, optionally,
at least one other media exchange server 114 (e.g., as in the case
of a multiple server architecture) supporting the media exchange
network 100 connected to the Internet infrastructure 115. In
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the media
exchange network 100 may comprise two or more media exchange
servers strategically located at various points in the media
exchange network 100.
[0031] The broadband access headends 109 and 110 may interface to
the Internet infrastructure 115. The broadband access headend 111
may comprise, for example, a cable headend, a satellite headend, or
a DSL headend in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention. The 3.sup.rd home 112 may also include, for example, a
PC, an MPS, and/or an MP as part of the media exchange network
100.
[0032] The media exchange network 100 also may comprise, for
example, a media storage server 116 and a 3.sup.rd party media
server 117, both interfacing to the Internet infrastructure 115.
The media storage server 116 may interact with the media exchange
server 113 and may provide temporary and/or archival storage for
digital media on the media exchange network 100. For example, the
media storage server 116 may temporarily hold media files that are
addressed to certain MPS's and/or PC's on the media exchange
network 100.
[0033] The 3.sup.rd party media server 117 may store, for example,
movies, video, user profiles, and other digital media that may be
provided to users of the media exchange network 100.
[0034] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention, an MPS may comprise, for example, at least one of a
set-top box, a PC and a TV with a media management system (MMS). An
MMS is also known herein as a media exchange software (MES)
platform.
[0035] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention, an MMS may comprise a software platform operating on at
least one processor to provide certain functionality including, for
example, user interface functionality, distributed storage
functionality and networking functionality. For example, an MMS may
provide control of media peripheral devices, status monitoring of
media peripheral devices and inter-home MPS routing selection in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
broadband access headend may be upgraded to a media exchange
headend by adding functionality to facilitate the exchange of media
on the media exchange network in conjunction with the media
exchange server. Such functionality may include, for example,
distributed networking capability, digital media parameter
adaptation, archival functionality (e.g., long term media storage),
temporary storage (e.g., to aid in the distribution and routing of
media), storage management, and digital rights management.
[0037] The media exchange network 100 may support, for example, the
adaptation of certain digital parameters of media content based on
device capabilities of an end-user on the media exchange network
100. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
media exchange servers 113 and 114 may provide at least some of the
functionality on the media exchange network 100 including, for
example, digital media parameter adaptation, billing and payment,
device registration, channel/program setup and management, and
security.
[0038] The various elements of the media exchange network 100 may
include, for example, storage locations for digital media and data.
The storage locations may comprise, for example, hard disk drives,
a DVD player, a CD player, floppy disk drives, a RAM, or any
combination of these. The storage locations may also include, for
example, memory sticks, PCMCIA cards, compact flash cards, or any
combination of these.
[0039] The PC's 101 and 105 may comprise, for example, desktop
PC's, notebook PC's, PDA's, or any computing device.
[0040] In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, the MPS's 102 and 106 may comprise enhanced set-top
boxes. The MPS 102 and/or the MPS 106 may include, for example, a
TV screen for viewing and interacting with various user interfaces,
media, data, and services that are available on the media exchange
network using, for example, a remote control. The PC 101 and/or the
PC 105 may include, for example, a PC monitor for viewing and
interacting with various user interfaces, media, data, and services
that are available on the media exchange network using, for
example, a keyboard and a mouse. The MPS's, the PC's and/or the
MP's may include, for example, functional software to support
interaction with the various elements of the media exchange network
100 in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention.
[0041] The media peripherals 103 and 107 of the media exchange
network 100 may include, for example, a digital camera, a digital
camcorder, an MP3 player, a home juke-box system, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), a multi-media gateway device, and various
home appliances.
[0042] Other embodiments of the present invention may comprise
various combinations and/or multiple instantiations of the elements
of FIG. 1 according to the present invention.
[0043] End-user devices (e.g., a PDA, an MPS with a TV display, a
PC with a monitor, etc.) may have different capabilities based on
certain digital media parameters such as, for example, display
resolution, display size, and display color that affect image
quality. Media content transferred across a media exchange network
may include, for example, images and video having different digital
media parameters that support different levels of image and display
quality. In a media exchange network, media content may be
transferred from one user to another in a channelized manner. The
media content may be incorporated into a channel format and the
contents of the channel may be pushed from one user to another via
the media exchange network.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
source device (e.g., a PC or an MPS) on a media exchange network
may have knowledge of the device capabilities of an end-user or a
destination device (e.g., a PC or an MPS) and may ensure that the
digital parameters of media content sent from the source device to
the end-user are consistent with the device capabilities of the
end-user. For example, an MPS of a first end-user on a media
exchange network may include a high definition television (HDTV)
display capability. An MPS of a second end-user on the media
exchange network may include a standard TV display capability. A PC
of a third end-user on the media exchange network may include an
SVGA PC monitor display capability.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method
200 that adapts digital media parameters based on end-user media
consumption capabilities on the media exchange network 100
according to the present invention. In step 201, an end-user device
on a media exchange network updates a device capability profile
within the end-user device on a media exchange network. In step
202, the end-user device sends the device capability profile to a
media source device on the media exchange network. In step 203, the
media source device adapts digital parameters of media content in a
channel associated with the end-user device based on the
information in the device capability profile to generate adapted
media content in the channel. In step 204, the media source device
pushes the channel to the end-user device via the media exchange
network. In step 205, the end-user device consumes (e.g., displays,
plays, etc.) the adapted media content of the channel.
[0046] As an example, referring to FIG. 1, a user at the 2.sup.nd
home 108 has just upgraded the MPS 106 to include HDTV capability.
The user at the 2.sup.nd home 108 updates a device capability
profile stored in the MPS 106 to indicate the HDTV capability. The
MPS 106 then automatically sends the updated device capability
profile to the MPS 102 at the 1.sup.st home 104 over the media
exchange network 100. The user of the MPS 102 at the 1.sup.st home
104 desires to send a channel including a file of digital video to
the user at the 2.sup.nd home 108. The MPS 102 reads the updated
device capability profile and proceeds to adapt the resolution and
image size parameters of the digital video media in the channel to
take advantage of the HDTV capability of the MPS 106. The MPS 102
then pushes the adapted channel with the adapted digital video
media to the MPS 106 over the media exchange network. As a result,
the user of the MPS 106 at the 2.sup.nd home 108 may view the
adapted digital video file while taking advantage of the maximum
display capability (i.e., the HDTV capability) of the MPS 106.
[0047] In the case in which media content in a particular channel
at a source is parameterized for high quality, constituting a
large-sized file of media content in the channel, and the device
capability of an end-user is of a lower quality (e.g., a
substantially lower quality), the source may adapt the parameters
of the media content in the channel to yield a lower quality media
content that is compatible or more compatible with the end-user
device. In addition, a substantially smaller-sized media content
file is in the channel. As a result, when the adapted channel is
sent to the end-user device, less bandwidth is required to transfer
the channel in a given amount of time and/or less time is required
to transfer the channel. It may not make sense to transfer the
original, large-sized, high quality media file in the channel if
the end-user device cannot take advantage of the extra quality.
[0048] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention, whenever an end-user changes a device (e.g., a PC, an
MPS or an MP) on the media exchange network, the end-user may
manually update a corresponding device capability profile or the
device capability profile may be automatically updated once the
device is connected to the media exchange network. The updated
device capability profile may then be manually or automatically
sent to other users on the media exchange network such as, for
example, friends and family members.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
even though an end-user may have higher quality device capability,
his device capability profile may indicate to only push media
content of a lower quality to the end-user, for example, to keep
down the cost of transferring the media content and to reduce the
time taken to transfer the media content. A meta file may be
associated and transferred with the media content in a channel. The
meta file may include, for example, a pointer or an address that
indicates where on the media exchange network a high quality
version of the media content may be obtained, if desired. As a
result, an end-user may receive media content in channels having
parameters providing reasonable, but lower initial quality, and
then have the option to obtain a higher quality version of the
media content, if desired, based on the pointer information in the
meta file associated with the media content.
[0050] For example, an end-user may desire to receive a certain
image file in a channel having lower display quality for viewing on
the end-user's PC monitor. However, if the end-user desires to
print out the image, the end-user may desire an image file with
higher image quality to obtain a high quality print of the
image.
[0051] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
files of media content of the highest quality, known as "golden"
files, may be archived somewhere on the media exchange network such
as in, for example, the media storage server 116 of FIG. 1, instead
of being stored on a user's PC or MPS since the "golden" files are
typically very large in size. Any lower quality media file may have
an associated meta file that points to the location of the
corresponding "golden" file. If the storage location of the
"golden" file moves, users on the media exchange network may be
sent an updated meta file which points to the new location of the
"golden" file. Such coordination and updating may be performed by a
media exchange server, for example, in the media exchange
network.
[0052] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, media parameter adaptation of files of media content may
be performed by a media exchange server on the media exchange
network. If a media file is to be transferred from a source device
to an end-user device, then the media exchange server may serve as
an intermediary to obtain and process device capability profiles
and to adapt digital media parameters of media content of the files
accordingly. The media exchange server also may coordinate the push
of the media file in a channel.
[0053] Some embodiments according to the present invention may
transfer and share many different types of digital media, data, and
services between one device/location and another with ease while
being able to index, manage, and store the digital media and
data.
[0054] For example, it may be desirable to be able to distribute
and store many types of digital media in a PC and/or a television
environment in a user-friendly manner without using many different
types of software applications and/or unique and dedicated
interfaces. Any networking issues or other technical issues may be
transparent to the users. It may also be desirable to use existing
hardware infrastructure, as much as possible, when providing such
capability.
[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, a media exchange
network is provided that enables many types of digital media, data,
and/or services to be stored, indexed, viewed, searched for, pushed
from one user to another, and requested by users, via a TV channel
guide look-and-feel user interface. The media exchange network also
allows a user to construct personal media channels that comprise
personal digital media (e.g., captured digital pictures, digital
video, digital audio, etc.), request that third-party media
channels be constructed from third-party digital media, and access
the media channels pushed to the user by other users on the media
exchange network.
[0056] PC's may be used but are not required to interface to the
media exchange network for the purpose of exchanging digital media,
data, and services. Set-top boxes or integrated MPS's may be used
with the media exchange network to perform some or all of the
previously described media exchange functions using, for example, a
remote control with a television screen.
[0057] Set-top boxes may be software enhanced to create an MPS that
provides full media exchange network interfacing and functionality
via a TV screen with a TV guide look-and-feel. PC's may be software
enhanced and may provide the same TV guide look-and-feel.
Therefore, the media exchange network may support both PC's and
MPS's in a similar manner. In accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, a fully integrated MPS may be designed from the
ground up, having full MPS capability.
[0058] In the case of an MPS configuration, the user may use a
remote control and a TV screen to access the media exchange
network. In the case of a PC configuration, the user may use a
keyboard and/or a mouse to access the media exchange network.
[0059] An MPS or an enhanced PC may provide, for example, a storage
and distribution platform for the exchange of personal and third
party digital media, data, and services as well as for bringing the
conventional television channels to a user's home. An MPS and/or a
PC may connect to the media exchange network via an existing
communication infrastructure which may include, for example, a
cable infrastructure, a DSL infrastructure, a satellite
infrastructure, etc. The connection to the communication
infrastructure may be hard-wired or wireless.
[0060] The media exchange network may allow users to effectively
become their own broadcasters from their own homes by creating
their own media channels and pushing those media channels to other
authorized users on the media exchange network, such as friends and
family members.
[0061] FIG. 3 illustrates a media exchange network 300 for
exchanging and sharing digital media, data, and services in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media
exchange network 300 may comprise, for example, a secure, closed
network environment that is only accessible to pre-defined users
and service providers. The media exchange network of FIG. 3
comprises a first PC 301 and a first MPS 302 at a user's home 303,
a communication infrastructure 304, an external processing hardware
support 305, a remote media storage 306, a second PC 307 at a
remote location 308 such as an office, and a second MPS 309 at a
parent's home 310.
[0062] The PC's 301 and 307 and the MPS's 302 and 309 may each
include a media exchange software (MES) platform 311 and a
networking component 312 for connectivity. The MES platform 311
provides multiple capabilities including, for example, media "push"
capability, media "access" capability, media channel
construction/selection, image sequence selection, text and voice
overlay, channel and program naming, inter-home routing selection,
authorship and media rights management, shared inter-home media
experience, billing service, and an integrated TV channel guide
look-and-feel.
[0063] The external processing hardware support 305 may comprise,
for example, at least one server such as a centralized Internet
server, a peer-to-peer server, or a cable headend. The server may
alternatively be distributed over various hosts or remote PC's. The
MES platform 311 may reside on the external processing hardware
support server 305. The remote media storage 306 may comprise, for
example, user media storage and distribution systems 313 and/or
third party media storage and distribution systems 314.
[0064] The communication infrastructure 304 may comprise, for
example, at least one of an Internet infrastructure, a satellite
infrastructure, a cable infrastructure, a dial-up infrastructure, a
cellular infrastructure, an xDSL infrastructure, an optical
infrastructure, or some other infrastructure. The communication
infrastructure 304 may link the user's home 303, the parent's home
310, the remote media storage 306, and the remote location office
308 to each other (e.g., the communication infrastructure 304 may
link all users and service providers of the media exchange network
300).
[0065] The various functions 315 of the media exchange network 300
may comprise, for example, generating personal network
associations, personal storage management, media capture device
support, security/authentication- /authorization support,
authorship tracking and billing and address registration and
maintenance. These media exchange management functions 315 may be
distributed over various parts of the media exchange network 300.
For example, the personal network associations and personal storage
management functions may be integrated into the PC 301 at the
user's home 303.
[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a personal media exchange
over a media exchange network 400 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. In step 1, the media exchange software
(MES) platform 401 is used to construct personal media channels on
a PC 402 by a user at "my house" 403. For example, with various
media stored on the PC 402 such as digital pictures 404, videos
405, and music 406, the MES platform 401 allows the digital media
to be organized by a user into several channels having a TV channel
guide look-and-feel user interface 407 on the PC 402.
[0067] In step 2, the user at "my house" 403 pushes a media channel
408 (e.g., "Joe's Music") to "brother's house" 409 and pushes two
media channels 410 and 411 (e.g., "Vacation Video" and "Kid's
Pictures") to "Mom's house" 412 via a peer-to-peer server 413 over
the Internet-based media exchange network 400. "Brother's house"
409 includes a first MPS 414 connected to the media exchange
network 400. "Mom's house" 412 includes a second MPS 415 connected
to the media exchange network 400. The MPS's 414 and 415 also
provide a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface 407.
[0068] In step 3, brother and/or Mom access the pushed media
channels via their respective media processing systems (MPS's) 414
and 415 using their respective MPS TV screens and remote
controls.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a third-party media
exchange over a media exchange network 500 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. In step 1, a PC-initiated
third-party request is made by a first party 501 via an
Internet-based media exchange network 500 using a TV channel guide
look-and-feel user interface 502 on a PC 503. In step 2, an
anonymous delivery of the requested third-party channel 504 is made
to a second party 505 via the Internet-based media exchange network
500. In step 3, the second party 505 accesses the third-party
channel 504 using a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface
506 on a TV screen 507 that is integrated into an MPS 508.
[0070] Similarly, in step A, an MPS-initiated third-party request
is made by a second party 505 via an Internet-based media exchange
network 500 using a TV channel guide look-and-feel user interface
506 on a TV screen 507 using a remote control 509. The second party
505 may key in a code, using the remote control 509, that is
correlated to a commercial or some other third party broadcast
media. In step B, an anonymous delivery of the requested
third-party channel 504 is made to a first party 501 via the
Internet-based media exchange network 500. In step C, the first
party 501 accesses the third-party channel 504 using a TV channel
guide look-and-feel user interface 502 on a PC 503.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates a TV channel guide user interface 600 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The TV
channel guide user interface 600 may be displayed on a TV screen
608 and controlled by a remote control device 609. Also, the TV
channel guide user interface 600 may be displayed on a PC monitor
and controlled by a keyboard or a mouse.
[0072] The TV channel guide user interface 600 may be configured
not only for conventional TV channels but also for personal media
channels 601 that are constructed by a user of a media exchange
network, friend's and family's media channels 602 constructed by
friends and family, and third party channels 603 that are
constructed by third parties either upon request by a user of a
media exchange network or based on a profile of a user.
[0073] The personal media channels 601 may include, for example, a
"family vacations channel", a "kid's sports channel", a "my life
channel", a "son's life channel", a "my music channel", and a
"kid's music channel". The friends and family media channels 602
may include, for example, a "brother's channel", a "Mom's channel",
and a "friend's channel". The third party media channels 603 may
include, for example, a "Sears Fall sale channel" and a "car
commercials channel".
[0074] Each media channel may correspond to a schedule 604 showing,
for example, a week 605 and a year 606. For example, under the
"kid's sports channel", Ty's soccer game could be scheduled to be
viewed on Tuesday of the current week 605 and current year 606. For
each media channel, a sub-menu 607 allows for selection of certain
control and access functions such as, for example, "play", "send to
list", "send to archive", "confirm receipt", "view", "purchase",
and "profile".
[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates possible multiple instantiations of a TV
channel guide user interface 700 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. The TV channel guide user interface 700
may be viewed with a schedule having formats of, for example,
"month, year", "week#, year", "day, week#", or "hour, day".
[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, a user of a media exchange network may
push a media channel (e.g., "Vacation in Alaska Video") to a friend
who is on the same media exchange network. The TV channel guide
user interface 800 may give the friend several options 801 for
accepting and downloading the pushed media in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] For example, a first, most expensive option 803 may be
"Express Delivery" which would deliver the pushed media to the
friend in 18 minutes using queuing and cost $1.20, for example. The
pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was
recorded at a rate of 4 Mbps, for example. Queuing may comprise,
for example, buffering and delivering a previous part of the media
and then buffering and delivering a next part of the media. For
example, a first six minutes of the "Vacation in Alaska Video" may
be buffered and delivered first, then a second six minutes may be
buffered and delivered next, and so on until the entire media is
delivered.
[0078] A second, less expensive option 802 may be "Normal Delivery"
which would deliver the pushed media in 2 hours and 13 minutes
without queuing and cost $0.59, for example. The pushed media may
be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate
of 1.5 Mbps, for example.
[0079] A third, least expensive option 804 may be "Overnight
Delivery" which would deliver the pushed media by the next morning
and cost only $0.05, for example. The pushed media may be stored in
a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 19 Mbps
and stored on a server, for example.
[0080] FIG. 9A illustrates some elements of a media processing
system (MPS) 900 and media capture devices 901 in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. The media capture devices
901 may comprise, for example, audio, video, and image players,
such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, and MP3 players, that
each may include, for example, a temporary storage area 902 and a
communication interface 903 such as, for example, a wired interface
(e.g., a USB interface) or a wireless interface. The media capture
devices 901 may interface to an MPS and a PC.
[0081] The MPS 900 may comprise, for example, a media processing
unit (MPU) 904, remote user interface(s) 905, and a TV screen 918
to provide integrated media processing capability and indirect user
interface capability. The remote user interfaces 905 may comprise,
for example, a voice or keyed remote control 906, keyboards and
pads 907, a remote PC access interface 908, and a remote media
system access interface 909 (e.g., providing access from another
MPS).
[0082] The media processing unit (MPU) 904 may comprise, for
example, TV and radio tuners 910 for image and audio consumption,
communications interfaces 911, channel processing 912 (e.g.,
creating, storing, indexing, viewing), storage 913, media players
914 (e.g., CD players, DVD players, tape players, PVRs and MP3
players), an integrated user interface 915 (e.g., to provide a TV
channel guide look-and-feel), networking components 916 to provide
client functions such as, for example, consumption (e.g., billing),
authorization (e.g., using digital certificates and digital ID's),
registration, security, and connectivity. In accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, the networking components 916
may include a distributed server element 917 that is part of a
distributed server.
[0083] FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment of a media processing
system (MPS) 920 in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention. The MPS 920 may comprise, for example, an enhanced
set-top box for viewing and interacting with various user
interfaces, media, data and services that are available on the
media exchange network using, for example, a remote control. The
MPS 920 may comprise, for example, a media peripheral 921, a media
management system (MMS) 922 and a broadband communication interface
923.
[0084] The media peripheral 921 may include, for example, a TV, a
PC and media players (e.g., a CD player, a DVD player, a tape
player and an MP3 player) for video, image and audio consumption of
broadcast channels and/or personal channels. The broadband
communication interface 923 may include, for example, internal
modems (e.g., a cable modem or a DSL modem) or other interface
devices to communicate with, for example, a cable or satellite
headend.
[0085] The MMS 922 may include a software platform to provide
functionality including, for example, media "push" capability,
media "access" capability, media channel construction/selection,
image sequence selection, text and voice overlay, channel and
program naming, inter-home routing selection, authorship and media
rights management, shared inter-home media experience, billing
service and a media guide user interface providing an integrated TV
channel guide look-and-feel.
[0086] FIG. 10 illustrates connectivity between a PC 1000, an MPS
1001, and an external processing hardware 1002 (e.g., a server) in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PC 1000
and the MPS 1001 may include networking components 1003 to provide
client functions such as, for example, consumption (e.g., billing),
authorization, registration, security, and connectivity. In
accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the
PC 1000 and the MPS 1001 may include a distributed server element
1004 that is part of a distributed server.
[0087] The PC 1000 and the MPS 1001 may connect to the external
processing hardware 1002 via wired connections or wireless
connection in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention. The external processing hardware 1002 may comprise, for
example, a distributed server or peer-to-peer server. The external
processing hardware 1002 also may comprise communication interfaces
1005 (e.g., cable interfaces, optical interfaces, etc.) and a media
exchange software (MES) platform 1006. The MES platform 1006 in the
external processing hardware 1002 may allow for communication with
the PC 1000 and the MPS 1001 which may also use the same MES
platform 1006. The external processing hardware 1002 may also
include networking server components 1007 to provide the similar
client functions such as, for example, consumption (e.g., billing),
authorization, registration, security, and connectivity at the
server side.
[0088] FIG. 11 illustrates connectivity between a PC 1100, a remote
media storage 1101, and personal media capture devices 1102 when
the PC 1100 is used as the primary distributor of digital media
such as in the case of a PC-to-PC operation, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The personal media capture
devices 1102 and the remote media storage 1101 may connect to the
PC 1100 via a wireless connection or a wired connection. The remote
media storage 1101 may provide user media storage and distribution
1103 as well as third party media storage and distribution 1104.
The personal media capture devices 1102 may provide temporary
storage 1114 and communication interfaces 1115.
[0089] Viewing may be done using a PC monitor 1105 instead of a
television screen in accordance with various embodiments of the
present invention. The PC 1100 may include, for example, storage
1106, TV/radio tuners 1107 for media consumption, media players
1108, and communication interfaces 1109 and user interfaces 1110
similar to those for the MPS of FIG. 9. The PC 1100 may include a
media exchange software (MES) platform 1111 that provides channel
construction capability 1112 and networking capability 1113. The
channel construction capability 1112 may provide, for example,
third party and personal media access, sequencing, editing, media
overlays and inserts, billing, scheduling, and addressing.
[0090] In summary, some embodiments of the present invention may
relate to systems and methods that support adaptive media
parameters on a media exchange network. Media parameters such as,
for example, resolution, image size, audio quality, etc. may be
adapted for certain media content to make the media content more
compatible with end-user device capabilities.
[0091] While the present invention has been described with
reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the present
invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention
will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *